Guides

How to Install Talanoa on macOS: A Step-by-Step Guide

#installation#macos#getting-started
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Getting started with Talanoa on macOS is incredibly simple. Whether you’re migrating from another email client or setting up email for the first time, this guide will walk you through the entire installation process—from download to your first inbox experience.

Why Choose Talanoa for macOS?

Before we dive into the installation steps, here’s what makes Talanoa the perfect email client for Mac users:

  • Native macOS experience: Built with macOS design principles in mind
  • Universal compatibility: Works seamlessly with Gmail, Outlook, and custom IMAP/SMTP servers
  • Privacy-first: Your data stays yours—no tracking, no data mining
  • Lightning-fast performance: Optimized for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs

Now, let’s get you set up in less than 5 minutes.

Step 1: Download Talanoa

Head over to talanoa.email/signup and click the download button for macOS. The latest version will automatically download to your Downloads folder.

System Requirements:

  • macOS 11.0 (Big Sur) or later
  • 200MB of free disk space
  • Active internet connection for account setup

The download is quick—typically under 100MB—and includes everything you need to get started.

Step 2: Locate the Downloaded File

Once the download completes, open your Downloads folder. You’ll find a file named something like Talanoa-vX.X.X.dmg. Double-click this file to open it.

A new Finder window will appear showing the Talanoa application icon alongside your Applications folder shortcut.

Step 3: Install to Applications

This is the classic macOS installation dance you’re probably familiar with:

Simply drag the Talanoa icon over to the Applications folder shortcut in the window. macOS will copy the app to your Applications folder, making it available system-wide.

Pro tip: You can eject the disk image from your desktop or Finder sidebar once the installation completes—you won’t need it anymore.

Step 4: Launch Talanoa

Now for the exciting part! Open your Applications folder and find Talanoa in the list (it’s alphabetically sorted). Double-click to launch the app.

First-time launch note: Since Talanoa is downloaded from the internet, macOS may show a security dialog. Click “Open” to confirm you want to run the app. This is a standard macOS security feature and only appears on the first launch.

Step 5: Sign In to Your Email

When Talanoa opens for the first time, you’ll be greeted with a clean, welcoming sign-in screen. Here’s where the magic happens—Talanoa supports multiple ways to connect:

Option A: Quick Sign-In with Gmail or Outlook

The fastest way to get started:

  1. Click “Sign in with Gmail” or “Sign in with Outlook”
  2. A browser window will open for secure authentication
  3. Log in with your existing credentials
  4. Grant Talanoa permission to access your email
  5. You’ll be automatically redirected back to the app

Your credentials never pass through Talanoa’s servers—we use industry-standard OAuth for secure, private authentication.

Option B: Custom IMAP/SMTP Setup

For power users, custom domains, or other email providers:

  1. Click “Sign in with IMAP/SMTP”
  2. Enter your email address
  3. Provide your IMAP server details (usually provided by your email host)
  4. Enter your SMTP server information
  5. Input your email password or app-specific password
  6. Click “Connect”

Talanoa will test the connection and sync your existing emails.

Multiple Accounts? No Problem

Talanoa fully supports multiple email accounts. After setting up your first account, you can easily add more by clicking the ”+ Add Account” button in settings.

Step 6: Welcome to Your New Inbox

Congratulations! You’re now looking at your email in a whole new way.

Take a moment to explore Talanoa’s interface:

  • Teammates section: See emails from your work colleagues at a glance
  • People section: Personal connections and important contacts front and center
  • Notifications section: Newsletters, automated emails, and less urgent items neatly organized
  • Kanban-style task management: Convert emails into actionable to-dos

Your emails are automatically organized, and you’re ready to experience email the way it should be—focused, intentional, and stress-free.

What’s Next?

Now that Talanoa is installed and configured, you’re ready to reclaim control of your inbox. No more drowning in unread messages. No more missing important conversations. Just a clean, organized email experience that works the way you do.

Ready to transform your email experience? Download Talanoa today and join thousands of users who’ve already made the switch.

Inbox Zero is Dead.

Why spend hours managing your inbox when you can focus on what matters?